Before parenthood, when working full-time outside the home, I regularly relied on the trusty crock pot for dinner assistance. Now, as a stay-at-home mom to one rambunctious 16-month-old boy, the crock pot has become my saving grace.
One of my favorite slow cooker main dish recipes involves only five ingredients and requires zero annoying prep-or-post tasks, like browning meat or thickening a sauce on the stove top. When properly cooked, this tender pork will fall apart under your fork, and it can be served on sandwiches or by itself. Pair it with a green salad or fresh veggies for figure-conscious eaters. Include rosemary mashed potatoes or homemade macaroni and cheese for those in need of comfort food.
I make and deliver a number of meals to families with new babies, and Catalina Pork is my staple recipe. I simply double the recipe—using two crock pots if necessary—and I can somewhat easily get (the same) dinner on my table as well as another family’s, even with a demanding little guy underfoot!
Catalina Pork
Ingredients:
1 pork roast of your choice, approximately 2-3 pounds
3/4 cup Catalina dressing (I use fat free)
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. Place pork roast in slow cooker.
2. Mix other ingredients together and pour over the pork.
3. Cook for 8-10 hours on low heat.
4. Shred or slice the pork and mix it into the sauce in the pot.
5. Serve the pork on buns or by itself. The left overs freeze well.
When she’s not making meals for her family or others, Rebecca writes about reading, cooking, and life at home with a 16-month-old at Dr. Blondie.
Photo credit: Rebecca Thomas
